UPDATE - Pakistan: 20 Sikh pilgrims die in van-train collision

UPDATES DEATH TOLL, NUMBER OF PASSENGERS; CHANGES HEADLINE, DECK, LEDE; ADDS DETAILS, NEW SOURCE, QUOTES

By Kiran Butt

LAHORE, Pakistan (AA) - At least 20 killed when a passenger van collided with a train near the northeastern Punjab province on Friday, said a police official.

The van was carrying a total of 28 Sikh Pilgrims when it crashed with Shah Hussain Express at 52 number railway crossing in Sheikhupura district, near the provincial capital Lahore, said Ghazi Salahuddin, the district police head.

"20 people have lost their lives, 8 people have survived from which 3 injured passengers are in a critical situation. All the injured passengers have been shifted to district hospital Shiekhupura," Salahuddin told Anadolu Agency.

"The Sikh families were going back to Peshawar after visiting Nankana Sahab city. The crossing was closed but the driver tried to cross the railway track in hurry from the other side, while neglecting the warnings from the gatekeeper," he added.

The country's Prime Minister Imran Khan took notice of the accident and ordered inquiry while the premier also offered condolences to the families of the victims.

In his tweet, he said: "I have directed relevant authorities to ensure facilitation and care for all the families." He has also called for the review of railways' entire operational safety protocols.